Recently, HYBE faced significant backlash after a 2,000-page internal report was released by South Korea’s National Assembly, exposing the dark side behind the glamor of the leading entertainment conglomerate. The main content of this document compiles information and analysis on popular K-pop groups. Notably, the majority of the opinions are negative, leading netizens to dub it a “smear document.”
HYBE’s evaluations spared no one, from rival girl groups like BLACKPINK, aespa, IVE, and NMIXX to its own groups like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans. When the negative content of this document came to light, HYBE quickly became the “#1 enemy” of K-pop, with fandoms demanding apologies.
Faced with mounting outrage, HYBE’s CEO issued an apology on October 29th to the groups and fandoms affected by the content of the 2,000-page internal report. However, the wave of anger has yet to subside. Through this internal document, Lisa’s fandom – for BLACKPINK’s youngest member – discovered a “shocking” revelation.
In the document, HYBE mentioned BLACKPINK as follows: “Coachella marked the successful start of this group. It seems they are planning a similar strategy in Europe. Additionally, there have been unusual voting patterns for the Global Popularity Award at [Award Name], with most of the fraudulent votes appearing to favor BLACKPINK. This may be due to intervention from the international fandom of member Lisa.”
![blackpink- BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [BORN PINK] IN CINEMAS](https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2024/08/09132418/blackpink-BLACKPINK-WORLD-TOUR-BORN-PINK-IN-CINEMAS-982202413.jpeg)
Accordingly, HYBE suspected that BLACKPINK engaged in vote manipulation, with Lisa’s personal fandom—given her immense international popularity—driving this alleged manipulation. Thanks to her large fanbase in Southeast Asia, Lisa often dominates in voting and record-breaking. “Lilies” (Lisa’s fandom) is the only member-specific fandom mentioned in the analysis of BLACKPINK.
This conclusion not only outraged the BLACKPINK fandom (BLINK) but also infuriated Lilies. Fans used hashtags across platforms demanding an apology from HYBE to Lisa and BLACKPINK. Furthermore, international fanbases raised suspicions that HYBE might be behind media attacks aimed at “slandering” Lisa in South Korea.
News stories defaming Lisa, such as “Why Should a Foreigner Like Lisa Lead the K-pop Industry?” “Lisa Had Rhinoplasty,” “Lisa Is Ungrateful for Not Renewing Her Contract,” and “Lisa Should Stop Being an Idol, Sign with Louis Vuitton, and Settle Down” resurfaced amid suspicions of HYBE’s involvement. This stems from a belief that HYBE has a history of “mud-slinging” rivals whenever its own artists make a comeback.
In recent months, Lisa has continually released solo content, competing first with Jimin and then with Jungkook. Fans believe the conglomerate is determined to bring Lisa down to the fullest extent possible, as she is currently the most famous Thai star in South Korea.
However, this is merely one-sided speculation from Lisa’s fans, with no concrete evidence yet proving that HYBE is engaging in “dirty media tactics” against her. During such turbulent times, it’s crucial to stay level-headed and critically assess information.
Even BTS has been a “victim” of HYBE. Numerous pieces of evidence suggest that HYBE does not truly protect its own artists, instead using media to suppress and limit the influence of this global group.
Source: K14
